A Scene at Abbotsford Exhibited 

Edwin Landseer painted ‘A Scene at Abbotsford Exhibited’ in the early 19th century. The painting depicts two dogs amidst a collection of objects associated with Walter Scott's Abbotsford House. Landseer was known for his sentimental depictions of animals, often imbuing them with human-like qualities, and was closely associated with the British aristocracy. Here, the inclusion of hunting trophies, armor, and weaponry speak to the romanticization of Scottish history. It reinforces a specific idea of Scottish identity, linking it to ideas of medieval chivalry and country pursuits. Abbotsford House, built by the novelist Walter Scott, became a potent symbol of Scottish identity and heritage and was visited by the upper classes. As historians, we might examine visitor books, estate records, and contemporary accounts to better understand the cultural significance of Abbotsford and Landseer’s role in shaping ideas about Scottish national identity. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.